Cost Accountant

Outform Group • Chicago, IL

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Cost Accountant supports the controllership function by ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting and maintaining strong internal controls over financial reporting. Serving as a liaison between Finance and Operations, this role enhances cost transparency, supports strategic decision-making, and drives continuous improvement in a manufacturing and project-based environment. The position works closely with the Operational Finance team to review and validate revenue analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• At least 6 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment with project-based costing.
• At least 3 years of general accounting experience.
• Deep understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Demonstrated experience with input-based cost accounting methods and inventory valuation.
• Proficiency with large-scale ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 or SAP.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including analyzing large datasets, creating dashboards, performing reconciliations, and automating reports using advanced formulas.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, stakeholder-management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, think strategically and innovatively, adhere to deadlines, drive decision-making, and execute projects effectively.
• Strong work ethic focused on high-priority issues; action- and results-oriented.
• Ability to listen thoughtfully, learn from clients, and leverage their input.
• Passion for using enabling technologies.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Operational Finance team to review its revenue analysis and provide an independent check and balance.
• Analyze inventory across two North American divisions to ensure project costs are appropriately recognized.
• Maintain accurate and consistent inventory costing across U.S. facilities.
• Maintain appropriate net inventory value and perform inventory reconciliations and work-in-progress analysis.
• Analyze manufacturing and purchasing variances to identify cost-reduction and production-efficiency opportunities.
• Perform absorption variance and absorption-rate analysis.
• Manage production-order closing and perform detailed cost allocations in the ERP system.
• Develop, implement, and maintain product-costing methodologies, including labor and overhead rate structures.
• Evaluate inventory movements and valuation impacts, and provide related financial analysis and recommendations.
• Prepare and reconcile freight cost and revenue by project.
• Collaborate with operations teams on initiatives to improve operational efficiency and cost performance.
• Serve as a finance liaison to operational departments, translating production workflows into accounting impacts.
• Drive automation and process improvements in cost accounting and inventory-reconciliation workflows.
• Assist with preparing and reviewing audit schedules related to inventory, project costing, and capitalization.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures for inventory and cost reporting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior